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Alabama got off to a decent start last year -- the game against FSU notwithstanding -- but they completely lost it in their last 4 regular season games (still didn't lose any game by more than 7 points). I'm pretty excited with the improved offense and an experienced QB under center. If we can survive Clemson and Arkansas, then I think we've got a good chance against Georgia, but if we go into that game with a .500 record, then it's game over.

Mississippi State over Alabama?

And I'm gonna go with the upset: Wisconsin over Ohio State in the Big-10.

C20Percent wrote: If we can survive Clemson and Arkansas, then I think we've got a good chance against Georgia, but if we go into that game with a .500 record, then it's game over.

I really don't think Arkansas is going to be a problem this year, they probably still have enough talent hanging around to win a few they shouldn't, but overall they're going to have a pretty awful year.

Mississippi State over Alabama?

That's what I thought too, but when I was putting this together I did a pretty ridiculous amount of research and the more I read about Miss St. the more I realized that they have a chance to be really good. They just need Carrol to go from 'efficient' to 'good' and for the receivers to step up.

And I'm gonna go with the upset: Wisconsin over Ohio State in the Big-10.

The problem Wisconsin has is that they have one of the harder in conference schedules in the Big Ten. I think Illinois may surprise people with how well their defense plays this year.

C20Percent wrote:Alabama got off to a decent start last year -- the game against FSU notwithstanding -- but they completely lost it in their last 4 regular season games (still didn't lose any game by more than 7 points). I'm pretty excited with the improved offense and an experienced QB under center. If we can survive Clemson and Arkansas, then I think we've got a good chance against Georgia, but if we go into that game with a .500 record, then it's game over.

Mississippi State over Alabama?

And I'm gonna go with the upset: Wisconsin over Ohio State in the Big-10.

you might do well to remember that Alabumble hasn't scored an offensive TD on the Dogs since 2004. additionally, State gets two weeks to prepare for that game this year, while Bama will be coming directly off Saban's first return game to Baton Rouge. even if Bama doesn't get annihilated in that game (which i think they will), Saban may not survive it. those students are gonna have something special waiting for him.

also, State's schedule lines up well, playing UT, Vandy, and UK from the East, while Bama has to play UK, UGA, and UT. i can definitely see the Dogs finishing 3rd in the West (even without my maroon-colored glasses).

I didn't get a chance to fit this in the article, but after looking over all the conferences I think they rank like this for the upcoming year.

SEC-duh
Big 12-Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas Tech, and Texas can all have legitimate shots to be *very* good.
Pac 10-there's a little drop off this year as a bunch of the teams, Oregon, Oregon St, Cal, UCLA, are reloading.
Big Ten-They'll be better than last year, but not great.
Big East-They'll fall off a little, and W.Va aren't going to be even remotely as good as people think, but it should be competitve.
ACC-Other than Clemson and maaaaaybe Va Tech this conference is dog poo right now.

Chris wrote:whereas the Buckeyes are pretty much at their peak once more with experienced offense, defense, and depth.

I still don't think OSU has enough speed in their front seven to stop a truly elite offense, but I do think that they're good enough to make them have to work up and down the field, and I also think that Wells can grind out enough yards to keep the ball away from the aforementioned offense. So, while I think they can play with USC it will take a perfect game to actually beat them.